They were charged with engaging in animal fighting, a felony prohibited under the state's agriculture and markets law.

Colon, who tried to flee from custody, also was charged with resisting arrest, false personation and second-degree obstructing governmental administration, all misdemeanors.

They were arrested shortly after noon Wednesday after a neighbor reported what sounded like chickens fighting.

“They could hear the sounds while they were fighting, which is much louder” than the normal sounds made by the birds, said Ulster County Undersheriff Frank Faluotico.

Ulster County sheriff's deputies, state police, Plattekill town police and the law enforcement unit of the Ulster County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals all took part in the investigation.

A total of 21 birds were seized and brought to the shelter but one died said Adam Saunders, of the SPCA, which took responsibility for the birds. Most were roosters, but Faluotico said the men used other chickens for training purposes. Roosters could still be heard from in front of 67 Krystal Lane on Thursday.

Bail was set at $5,000 apiece for the suspects. Guerrero, Abreu, Rodriguez and Lebron had posted bail by mid-afternoon Thursday, and the sheriff's office expected the others to post bail, too.